Trimet denies OSHA shut down Gateway

Below is today’s response to the media from TriMet’s PIO Team concerning a recent allegation:

The allegation that OSHA has shut down TriMet break rooms is untrue.

TriMet has an annual operator layover refurbishment program. The layover facilities typically include a small break room plus bathrooms. Every year about 2-3 layovers will be refurbished. About six weeks ago, such work began at the break room at our Cleveland Ave MAX Station. The facility was shut down for the renovations. Portable bathrooms were set up for use during the project. As part of the renovations, crews were replacing drywall and noticed signs of ongoing moisture in the wall cavity. Specialists were brought in and the presence of mold was found. The type of mold has yet to be determined. What to do about the mold is on hold right now as we are evaluating if repairs can be made to the building to prevent ongoing moisture issues. That will help us determine whether reconstruction of part or all of the facility is necessary. Again, employees have not been inside the facility since the start of the renovations. Our facilities department is working to get a long-term temporary trailer on site for an operator layover facility while we assess next steps.

The Gateway Transit Center layover facility is also closed at this time as part of the annual layover refurbishment program. No mold has been found or is suspected. Again, this is standard work as part of our refurbishment program.